For our hike on the second day of our stay in the Jemez Mountains, after breakfast at the Hwy4 Cafe in Jemez Springs we returned to Paliza Canyon, to hike up the Canyon as far as was reasonable. We’ve hiked up as far as the turnout to Goblin Colony, but wanted to explore the Canyon itself.
The Hike
Paliza Canyon.Pat.2017-11-09
We parked at the junction of FR 10 and FR 266, .4 mile beyond the bridge across the stream. Then headed up FR 271, the two-track that goes north between 10 and 266, for .8 miles. Here we depart from the trail to Goblin Colony, bearing right through a fence line (the gate was open on this day). The canyon is relatively narrow, tho’ not restricted, with a healthy forest all about. I was disappointed that there isn’t a stream; maybe in the spring with snow-melt. The going was easy, thus the 6.17 miles, among our longer hikes to date.
Statistics
Total Distance: 6.17 miles Elevation: start 6,837 ft, maximum 7,537 ft, minimum 6,837 ft Gross gain: 700 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,586 ft, descending 1,582 ft Maximum slope: 34% ascending, 32% descending, 8.4% average Duration: 4:48
If you haven’t explored these hiking tracks with Google Earth, I urge you to try it. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the screenshot above. For some ideas, check out Using Google Earth Track Files.
References & Resources (not many hikes up the canyon, most branch off to Goblin Colony)
This hike is on our first day of a 3-day trip to do some hiking in the Jemez Mountains. Having just a half a day, after driving from Albuquerque and getting the R-Pod set up at the Vista Linda campground, we opted for a short hike to find Jemez Falls. As always, the drive up the Jemez River in San Antonio Canyon is awesome. Many of the cottonwood trees were still in their bright golden suits, and the canyon walls are amazing. Rounding the curve at La Cueva, ’tis another 6 miles to the entrance to the Jemez Falls Campground. Proceed to the end of the campground roads (a sign points one ahead to the Falls).
The Hike
Jemez Falls Hike.Pat.2017-11-08
There is not much guidance at the parking area, so we started down what appeared to be a trail to the river. Yep, we found the river but no falls. We headed downstream but were blocked by the cliff face at water’s edge; it was either wade across or try another route. Since were along the river, we explored upstream until encountering another such blockage. ‘Tis quite pleasant, with the sound of water running over rocks and an environment as close to wetter climates as we’ve encountered in New Mexico.
Still seeking the Falls, we ascended to the ridgetop and headed downstream, towards a louder sound of rushing water – maybe the falls? Following our ears, we proceeded downstream on the crest of the ridgetop and soon encountered the sure signs of trails leading down towards the river. And .. we were looking down on Jemez Falls. A bit more nosing around and we found the route down to the river just below the falls. Mission accomplished.
Statistics
Total Distance: 1.38 miles Elevation: start 7.949 ft, maximum 7,949 ft, minimum 7,814 ft Gross gain: 135 ft. Aggregate ascending 537 ft, descending 537 ft Maximum slope: 50% ascending, 65% descending, 14% average Duration: 1:25
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.
Pat and I went looking for new places. We have visited Paliza Canyon many times, visiting Goblin Colony and Boletsakwa & Kiatsukwa Ruins. We have been curious about a forest road, FR 266, that heads east off of FR 10 .4 miles above the Paliza Campground; we checked out on this day. As interesting as the hike was the drive to the trailhead.
The Drive In
Directions to Paliza: US 550 to San Ysidro, north on NM 4 to the turn to the right onto NM 29o. Continue through the settlement of Ponderosa, then about 3 miles to the boundary of the Cibola National Forest, then another 1.5 miles to the Campground. Turn left across a one-lane bridge, then 500 yards to the intersection of FR 10, 266, and 271 (FR 271 proceeds up Paliza Canyon itself). A sign at this intersection advises that one can proceed only a few miles; one cannot continue through to Tent Rocks. FR 266 proceeds past the Christian Life Center and heads uphill, rounding the bitter end of Peralta Ridge.
For about .5 miles the road is narrow and on a very steep hillside, nearly straight up on the left, nearly straight down on the right. The roadbed itself is in good condition, at least typical for these mountain roads – we passed another intrepid soul who had come up the road in a small sedan. Atop the ridge, the road is “nice” – dirt, little elevation change, easy driving. ‘Tho we did not stop to investigate, I’m fairly certain that we passed a rather large Pueblo ruins a mile or so from reaching the ridgetop (gleaned from USGS Topo from 1915). We started our hike about 4 miles further on, where FR 266 makes a very hard turn to the right, south and downhill, into Guacamalla Canyon.
The Hike
Peralta Ridge Hike.Pat.2017-10-29
The trail generally follows an easy two-track with a steady climb (500 feet for the first .7 mile, then levels out somewhat. It then becomes a bit steeper, climbing 200 feet in the last .1 mile. On the way we encountered the only person this hike, a gentlemen on the most quiet off-road bike. He pointed out the fire lookout on Cerro Pelado north of us, suggesting that as another destination in the future (and that he had seen one elk that day – we’re still on the lookout for one).
After 1.2 miles, where Peralta Ridge turns to the north, we found ourselves on the brink of a steep descent into Peralta Canyon; maps show that this trail descends to meet up with the Peralta Canyon Trail #140. We could not find any evidence of such and the descent appeared quite daunting. We climbed to the highest point nearby on the ridge for our mid-hike break, and enjoyed beautiful view down into Peralta Canyon, across to Bearhead Ridge and Aspen & Ruiz Peaks. On the nearby slopes we saw evidence of fire (featured photo above); I’ve not been able to identify the guilty fire to learn how long ago it burned here.
Statistics
Total Distance: 3.36 miles Elevation: start 8,618 ft, maximum 9,145 ft, minimum 8,618 ft Gross gain: 527 ft. Aggregate ascending 927 ft, descending 969 ft Maximum slope: 39% ascending, 38% descending, 11% average Duration: 3:15
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.
Cebolla Canyon, the site of my first foray into the Jemez Mountains, with Jay in 2014. And subsequently on the Oat-Hay Canyons hike. It is a beautiful canyon with the Rio Cebolla stream running through it. ‘Tis a perfect setting for an autumn hike with Pat.
The Drive In
The road in from the Fish Hatchery is a bit rough, better with high-clearance vehicle.
The Hike In
Cebolla Canyon Hike.Pat.2017-10-23
One can follow a two-track from the first 2-3 miles, but we found it much more interesting to follow the stream itself. We crossed over to the east side of the canyon and learned that there are a few springs creating wet ground. One spring, at the mouth of Oat Canyon, creates a very marshy area that is difficult to cross without getting wet feet.
The river is a protected stream where New Mexico Cutthroat Trout are being protected – ’tis a catch-and-release stream. It is frequented by fishermen – this day we saw two at the lake and encountered two others leaving. Otherwise, one isn’t likely to see many other folks. Highlight ‘Tis a beautiful place, ease to access, and the hiking is easy.
Statistics
Total Distance: 4.89 miles Elevation: start 8,055 ft, maximum 8,236 ft, minimum 8,055 ft Gross gain: 181 ft. Aggregate ascending 882 ft, descending 884 ft Maximum slope: 30% ascending, 30% descending, 5.2% average Duration: 3:53
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.
After the drive up San Antonio Canyon through the glowing cottonwoods and hiking among the golden aspen in Barleycito and Barley canyons this past Sunday with Jay, Pat & I returned while the colors were still bright. We were not disappointed.
The Drive In
After breakfast at Hwy 4 Cafe, we headed on up NM 4, then NM 126 to FR 144, the destination being Bear Canyon. We stopped at an overlook at the top of the climb up NM 126 from La Cueva to enjoy the view of the mesas to the south, San Antonio Canyon towards La Cueva, and the Jemez Mountains and Redondo Peak to the east.
The Hike
Bear Canyon Hike.Pat.2017-10-17
Jay and I had hiked here back in August; today we would avoid the -steep- ascent onto the ridge above the canyon. Like on that hike, we started by going down “Little Bear” canyon (a side-canyon south of Bear; joins Bear about halfway to Calaveras Canyon). Rather than hiking back down FR 144, today we headed due south from the parking spot – discovered an old two-track that made an easy descent into Little Bear. We followed the canyon for about a mile on a nice two-track or in the bottom of the canyon following cow/game paths. We then made the turn to work our way up Bear Canyon – easy hiking like Little Bear, but with more meadow-like open spaces.
As on the Barleycito-Barley Canyons Hike the week before, some of the aspen were in their full glory, but others had already given up their leaves. Highlight These canyons (Barley, Bear, Oat, Hay, Pony, and some unnamed canyons) make for really great hiking. Barley and Bear are closer to NM 126, on FR 144, than the others which makes them a bit easier to get to. And there is much more that I look forward to: finding a way to get down into San Antonio Canyon, going up further on FR 144 where more canyons beckon, and more ideas from the book “Exploring the Jemez Country”.
Statistics
Total Distance: 3.38 miles Elevation: start 8,752 ft, maximum 8,752 ft, minimum 8,326 ft Gross gain: 426 ft. Aggregate ascending 871 ft, descending 868 ft Maximum slope: 34% ascending, 41% descending, 8% average Duration: 3:25
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.
We headed to these favorite canyons in the Jemez, hoping to catch the aspen in their full fall color. And we did. But on the way, the cottonwood trees in San Antonio canyon, all the way from Jemez Pueblo to La Cueva, were the brightest golden color you can imagine.
The Drive In
We hiked Barley Canyon back in May 2017, that time driving in from the bottom of the canyon: past Fenton Lake on NM 126 a short distance past the Fish Hatchery, then up FR 378 (Barley Canyon) a bit over a mile. Then the hike goes from lower to higher in Barley, then back down what I’ve dubbed Barleycito, a side canyon that joins Barley at Barley’s mddle. For this trip we turned onto FR 144, a much shorter drive and hiked down Barleycito then back up Barley.
The Hike
Barleycito-Barley Hike.Jay.2017-10-15
On the drive in on NM 126 and FR 144, we saw sprinklings of golden aspen along with aspen still green and leafless. That was the case in the Canyons as well. This hike was much like the May hike – a very pleasant canyon, easy surfaces and slopes. Although we could stay on the two-tracks (some sections more heavily used) we opted this trip to follow closer to the center/bottom of the canyon where we found we could almost always follow cattle or game trails. Jay here: Finally. The aspen color we’ve been waiting for. And no bushwacking…what a surprise. This was a most pleasant hike primarily for its lack of ascent. So there were no overlooks but plenty of close-up scenery to make up for it.
Statistics
Total Distance: 5.10 miles Elevation: start 8,715 ft, maximum 8,813 ft, minimum 8,108 ft Gross gain: 705 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,369 ft, descending 1,370 ft Maximum slope: 34% ascending, 37% descending, 8% average Duration: 3:19
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.
Hiking with Pat, we went looking for bright fall colors of aspen; a few weeks ago she had hiked with a friend north from the Sandia Crest House (Visitors Center) north on the Crest Trail and found a large grove of aspen. By now, the aspen must have turned color.
The Hike
North Crest Hike.Pat.2017-10-12
This is a well traveled trail, ‘tho not as busy as the trail going south from the Sandia Crest Hosue. It proceeds through forest throughout, just below of the edge of Sandia Crest. There are some sections of the trail that are a bit rocky, but overall it is ‘smooth walking’. There are a few side-outs uphill that provide view opportunities down the west face of the Sandias and out across the Rio Grande valley – Albuquerque, Bernalillo, the Jemez mountains, and more.
We reached the Del Aqua Canyon Overlook, an open area from which one has an even greater view to the west – North Sandia peak, the Rio Grande, etc., … and a very large aspen grove. But our visit was too late – recent rains (we suspect) had stripped the aspen of their leaves and all that was left was a large area gray in color – the bare aspen trees. Oh well, next year. After our mid-hike break for coffee and snacks, it was a pleasant return to the truck (although it was uphill; we prefer the uphill portion to be at the beginning).
Statistics
Total Distance: 4.37 miles Elevation: start 10,652 ft, maximum 10,652 ft, minimum 9,944 ft Gross gain: 708 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,179 ft, descending 1,180 ft Maximum slope: 43% ascending, 45% descending, 8% average Duration: 3:30
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.
We returned to Pony Canyon, having hiked it back in May 2017. We were hoping to catch the aspen in their full fall color – we were early for the ‘show’, but found other plants showing their colors. Although we parked at a different turnout, we followed close to the same track as before.
Pony Canyon Hike.Jay.2017-09-24
Statistics
Total Distance: 3.99 miles Elevation: start 8,778 ft, maximum 9,011 ft, minimum 8,570 ft Gross gain: 441 ft. Aggregate ascending 964 ft, descending 962 ft Maximum slope: 36% ascending, 42% descending, 8% average Duration: 3:48
If you haven’t explored these hiking tracks with Google Earth, I urge you to try it. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the screenshot above. For some ideas, check out Using Google Earth Track Files.
References
Hiking in New Mexico: Pony Canyon Hike (See that hike for more references.)
Today we needed a hike for a short day, closer to ‘home’ than the Jemez or San Pedro Parks. Opted to hit a trail on the northwest section of the Cedro Peak area of the Sandia Ranger District.
The Drive In
To get to the trailhead, drive east from Tijeras on NM 333 (old Route 66), turn right on FR 462/Bartoloa Baca Rd/Kennedy Rd ( a bit over 3 miles from the main intersection in Tijeras). About a mile up FR 462 you will find parking on the left (just before the road becomes -really- rough). Trails in this area are used heavily for mountain biking, tho’ we saw none on this Sunday.
The Hike
Lower Pine Hike.Jay.2017-10-01
The trail proceed up a ravine for about a mile, on a surface that is quite rocky. The remainder of the trail was easier, with only short sections of rocky surface. At the intersection with Gear Grinder and Pinyon trails, we chose to go right onto Gear Grinder. The trail was easy to follow for a half mile or so, but we weren’t able to find it where it headed south. After casting about for a few minutes, we headed southeast ‘cross country’, intercepting the well used and easy to identify Pinyon trail. The trek north on Pinyon was the easiest of the hike. We then followed Lower Pine back to parking.
Statistics
Total Distance: 6.18 miles Elevation: start 6,694 ft, maximum 7,116 ft, minimum 6,694 ft Gross gain: 422 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,151 ft, descending 1,143 ft Maximum slope: 21% ascending, 19% descending, 6% average Duration: 3:55
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.
Pat’s brother Steve and wife Sharon visited, and of course we included a trip to our cabin, El Cerrito, near Manzano.
The Walkabout
El Cerrito Walkabout.PatSteveSharon.2017-10-10
We made the usual tour of our cabin and 120 acres. Up the hill from the cabin to the top/eastern border, then down to the rock overlook at the southeast east corner of Cerrito del Llano. From there down hill to corners of our boundary, a visit to the Ruins, the well, and back to the Shop Area and the Cabin.
Statistics
Total Distance: 1.11 miles (more, I started tracking late) Elevation: start 6,738 ft, maximum 6,791 ft, minimum 6,699 ft Gross gain: 92 ft. Aggregate ascending 128 ft, descending 141 ft Maximum slope: 24% ascending, 21% descending, 4% average Duration: 2:20 (more, I started tracking late)
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google
